by Connie Oswald Stofko A few years ago, David Clark, nationally and internationally known gardening educator, shared tips with us on potting and caring for an amaryllis. Now he has changed his methods. “It’s always good to learn new ways,” Clark said. “What a huge difference it made in the way my flowers grew.” Clark also gives us advice on what to do if the amaryllis gets red streaks on its leaves. You can learn more from Clark in the…
Did you know that the native bumble bee is more effective than honey bees at pollinating crops such as tomatoes? That’s just one reason gardeners should care about native bees, according to the Wild Bee ID. Another reason gardeners should care about native bees is that pollinator populations have been declining at alarming rates all across the continent, primarily due to habitat loss and pesticide poisoning. The makers of the Wild Bee ID app hope that gardeners in North America…
by Connie Oswald Stofko I often get emails from readers asking where they can find a certain plant or locate a landscaper. It’s easy. Look at the ads on Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com and go to our Gardening Directory. When you click on an ad, it will take you to the website of that business, where you can see more about what they have to offer as well as the business’s contact information. In our Gardening Directory, you can scroll through the businesses…
by Connie Oswald Stofko “Many people don’t need all the seeds their garden produces,” said Mary Ouimette-Kinney of the University Heights Art Association. She is co-founder and co-director along with Lawrence Kinney. There are lots of people who would be happy to use those extra seeds, and there are several local groups that are helping to spread the seeds around. In this article we’ll talk about one group, the University Heights Arts Association in Buffalo and its ARTseeds program. Then…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Learn more about the birds that visit your garden with the new website Birds on the Niagara Frontier. It is designed to promote interest in birding and wildlife conservation in Western New York and Southern Ontario. The site was created by Gerry Rising, retired University at Buffalo math professor who has been bird watching for more than 80 years, and Michael Noonan, a retired Canisius College professor of Animal Behavior who has produced a dozen films that…
The City of Buffalo and Erie County are the newest municipalities in Western New York to be become Certified Climate Smart Communities. They were recognized for the steps they have taken in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience. The Climate Smart Community program provides guidance and technical support to local governments to take locally driven climate action. What Buffalo, Erie County accomplished Buffalo’s Green Code is an example of climate-smart land use. The city has installed electric vehicle…
by Connie Oswald Stofko Here are updates on three diseases and one pest: downy mildew on impatiens, tar spot on maple leaves, late blight on tomatoes and potatoes, and the brown marmorated stink bug. Maybe you’ve been dealing with these issues for years, or you might be noticing one of these for the first time. John Farfaglia, extension educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Niagara County, gives us updates. Impatiens There’s good news and bad news about impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)….
by Connie Oswald Stofko Thanks so much to all of you who responded to my survey. You let me know what you liked and what you didn’t like. It was all helpful! If you haven’t responded to my survey, I would appreciate if you would. It’s only eight questions long. You can see it here. Thanks for all your help!…
The Mum Exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is taking a spooky turn this year with a MUMster Mash theme. There will be a mad scientist’s lab, a spooky cemetery, ghosts, mummies and, of course, thousands of mums. The 119th Mum Exhibit will be held from Saturday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., South Buffalo. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. The Mum Exhibit is included with Botanical Gardens…
by Connie Oswald Stofko It’s officially autumn on the calendar, but there are still gardening things to do. Here are some ideas we have shared in past articles. Even if they’re not new to you, it’s always good to get a reminder. Tasks you can do in your autumn garden: Harvest, weed, water & enjoy Debug your houseplants before bringing them inside Test soil and amend it if necessary Enjoy waves of spring color in a single spot or even…